4 Ways Palliative Care Enhances Quality of Life

Palliative care is designed to help seniors manage pain or other physical symptoms, and it often includes caring for those with terminal illnesses and providing the support they need as they reach the final stages of life. Many seniors prefer to remain in the comfort and familiarity of home when receiving palliative care, surrounded by the family and friends who care for them and who want to enjoy their precious time together. If your elderly loved one needs help managing a serious illness, Prescott, AZ, home care professionals explain how palliative care can enhance his or her quality of life.

1. Addresses Life-Altering Symptoms

The symptoms of a progressive medical condition can change a senior’s life forever, and one of the primary functions of palliative care is alleviating those symptoms as thoroughly as possible. Whether your loved one experiences chronic pain or has limited mobility, palliative care specialists can enhance his or her quality of life because they have the training to address many of the issues your family might not be equipped to manage.

2. Provides Emotional Support

Taking care of an aging loved one is about much more than addressing physical ailments. Palliative care professionals can also tend to your loved one’s emotional and psychological wellbeing by providing the companionship he or she needs to prevent depression and anxiety.

3. Offers a Comprehensive Range of Services

Palliative care can provide your loved one with the support he or she needs in the later years of life. Prescott caregivers providing palliative care can help carry out the day-to-day tasks you and your family may not be able to manage due to your other responsibilities. Some of the services these professionals provide include social and cognitive stimulation and assistance with minor housekeeping, cooking, bathing, and grooming.

4. Enhances Relationships with Family Members

Caring for a senior loved one often requires assistance from the entire family, which might not be practical on a regular basis. Utilizing a palliative care organization can reduce the stress you and your family are feeling so you can continue to focus on spending more time with your loved one. Palliative care services can make every visit with your loved one as enjoyable and memorable as possible.

Home Care Assistance offers custom palliative care plans to ensure seniors receive the support they need when managing an illness or reaching the final stages of life. We offer respite and 24-hour care services, and we also provide specialized Alzheimer’s, post-stroke, and Parkinson’s home care Prescott families can count on. For more information, please call one of our compassionate Care Managers today at 928-771-0105.

Related posts:

1. Best Ways to Plan for Senior Home Care Before It Becomes Necessary
2. 5 Ways Seniors Can Boost Their Emotional Health
3. 4 Ways to Help Children Understand Alzheimer’s
4. 5 Ways to Help You Make Good Caregiving Decisions

Visit us online today @ www.homecareassistanceprescott.com

How to Motivate Aging Adults to Get Over the Fear of Exercising

Seniors should exercise on a regular basis to maintain good health. However, many family caregivers have difficulty motivating their loved ones to exercise. Here are a few things you can do to help your senior loved one conquer his or her fear of exercising. 

Address the Fear of Passing Out

As your loved one ages, his or her bone density, muscle strength, and energy may begin to decrease. However, regular exercise can boost his or her muscles, flexibility, and energy levels. The lack of strength and energy could prevent your loved one from working out because he or she is afraid to pass out. You can motivate your loved one by going over the health benefits of exercising and explaining that this activity can boost his or her overall health. The more your loved one works out, the stronger and more flexible his or her bones may become.

Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality in-home senior care. Prescott families trust in Home Care Assistance to help their elderly loved ones age in place safely and comfortably. 

Encourage Exercising at Home

The fear of exercising may stem from embarrassment due to lack of mobility or being overweight. Your loved one may shy away from joining a local gym out of fear that others will mock him or her. You could work out with your loved one or hire a trainer to help him or her exercise at home. This could motivate your loved one to get fit and eventually go to the gym. 

Start at a Beginner’s Level 

Many seniors are afraid to exercise because they believe it is too difficult to do. The fear of not achieving their goals prevents seniors from doing certain things, including physical activity. Your loved one may put off exercising because he or she is afraid to fail. Assure your loved one that he or she is not in a competition and can exercise at his or her own pace.

Older adults may need assistance with exercising or managing other daily tasks. Some seniors only require help with a few daily tasks so they can maintain their independence. However, those living with serious illnesses may need more extensive assistance. Luckily, there is professional live-in care Prescott, AZ, seniors can rely on. Home can be a safer and more comfortable place for your loved one to live with the help of an expertly trained and dedicated live-in caregiver. 

Clear Pathways and Rooms 

Many seniors associate exercise with slips and falls. You can help your loved one get over this fear by making sure the pathways and floors in the rooms where he or she exercises are always clear. This may reduce the risk of slipping and falling.

Caring for a senior loved one can be rewarding, but it can also be overwhelming for family caregivers who have other responsibilities they need to focus on. For these families, the perfect solution is respite care. Prescott families rely on our caregivers whenever they need time to rest, work, run errands, and even go on vacation. If you need a high-quality at-home care plan for your senior loved one, call Home Care Assistance at 928-771-0105 today.

Visit us today @ www.homecareassistanceprescott.com 

What is Age-Related Macular Degeneration?

Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is the breakdown of the macula, which is the region of the eye with the greatest visual acuity. This breakdown causes central vision to blur, making reading, driving, and sewing difficult. Because ARMD is a common disease in the elderly, there are several things you should know when providing home care in Prescott to help your loved one prevent or delay the onset of the disease.

The Disease Itself Doesn’t Lead to Blindness

The macula is responsible for central vision and allows us to see fine details. While ARMD can cause a loss of vision in this area, it doesn’t affect peripheral vision.

It Can Develop Either Slowly or Rapidly

In some seniors, the disease develops so slowly that symptoms aren’t noticed for a long time. In others, however, the disease can rapidly progress, causing loss of vision in one or both eyes.

Early Detection Is Critical

Because early symptoms sometimes go unnoticed, it is important for your loved one to receive regular eye examinations. If you or a Prescott caregiver notices your loved one experiencing any of the following symptoms, schedule an appointment for him or her as soon as possible.

• Blurriness in part of the eye
• Seeing dark areas
• Blank spots that may grow and enlarge
• Distorted view

Though there is no cure for early ARMD, lifestyle changes can be made that may prevent the disease from further progressing. Additionally, your loved one’s doctor may recommend more frequent eye exams to check on the progression of the disease.

As the ARMD progresses, supplements may be recommended by your loved one’s doctor to slow down the progression. The disease can also be treated with injections, photodynamic therapy, and laser surgery.

Lifestyle Changes Can Prevent or Delay AMD

Genetics have been found to play a role in developing ARMD. People over the age of 50 are also at a higher risk if they:

• Smoke
• Get little or no exercise
• Eat an unhealthy diet sparse in fruits and vegetables

A recent study from the National Eye Institute found those with a family history of the disease were less likely to develop it when they made healthy lifestyle changes.

Does your loved one need help maintaining healthy habits that can lead to the prevention of ARMD and other complications? Home Care Assistance offers part-time and 24-hour care Prescott families trust, and our caregivers can assist your loved one with exercise, nutritious meal prep, and help with a wide array of other daily tasks. For more information on our senior care services, call one of our knowledgeable Care Managers at 928-771-0105 to schedule a free in-home consultation.

Visit us today @ www.homecareassistanceprescott.com

Why Seniors Need to Get an Adequate Amount of Sleep

    

In a society focused on productivity, sleep is often viewed as one of the first things that can be skipped when times get busy. While cutting down on sleep is not good at any age, it is particularly hard on seniors. For older adults who need motivation to maintain their sleep hygiene practices, here are a few reasons getting enough sleep is important during the golden years.

Reduce the Risk of Fall-Related Injuries

Staying alert is critical for senior safety. Seniors who are overtired are more likely to make mistakes such as tripping over a cord. Simply going to bed on time each night helps seniors be aware of what they are doing during the day so they can reduce the risk of falling.

Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality home care. Prescott families trust in Home Care Assistance to help their elderly loved ones age in place safely and comfortably.

Enhance Memory Retention

Sleep deprivation can lead to brain fog. This is especially true for seniors who need time during their sleep cycle to renew the connections between the neurons in their brain. Seniors should strive to get at least six to eight hours of sleep at night to keep their brains functioning properly.

Maintain the Immune System

In addition to strengthening neural connections, sleep helps the body repair the injuries it sustains during the day. Proper sleep hygiene is often recommended for seniors who are recovering from an illness or injury. For some seniors, it may even be necessary to take a short nap during the day to get enough sleep while they recover.

 Living with a serious health condition can make it challenging for seniors to age in place. However, they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional live-in home care. Prescottseniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctor’s office, medication reminders, and much more.

Promote Emotional Wellbeing

Seniors may feel agitated from a lack of sleep, and they must watch out for mood swings caused by sleep deprivation. For instance, seniors may be prone to the symptoms of depression after a night of going without sleep. Ideally, a senior’s bedtime routine should involve dimming the lights and engaging in a quiet, soothing activity such as reading. Focusing on relaxing activities before bed can alleviate stress and help seniors feel better in the morning.

Increase Energy for Exercise

When recovering from an injury or illness, seniors are often prescribed therapeutic exercises that they may find challenging. For this reason, seniors should make sure their sleep is restful enough that they have the energy needed to complete their daily exercise routine.

Exercising during the day also helps seniors get better sleep, and maintaining good sleep hygiene can reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Seniors with Alzheimer’s have much to gain when their families opt for professional Alzheimer’s home care. Prescott, Arizona, families can rely on compassionate and dedicated caregivers to help their elderly loved ones manage the various challenges of Alzheimer’s disease so they can enjoy a higher quality of life. If your aging loved one needs assistance managing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease or another form of cognitive decline, turn to Home Care Assistance at 928-771-0105.

Changing the way the world ages!    

Visit us today @ www.homecareassistanceprescott.com

Aging In Place

Staying at Home Instead of Senior Housing is the First Choice for Most

According to AARP, 87% of older adults want to age in place, or stay in their own home as they age. As the senior population continues to grow, Aging in Place is the secret to the future of aging because it is not only preferred, but will become necessary to accommodate the growing population of older adults.

Between 2006 and 2030, the number of U.S. citizens over the age of 65 is expected to double from 37 million to 71.5 million, a number that represents 20% of the total population. By 2050, there are expected to be 89 million older adults over the age of 65.

Despite the booming construction of senior housing and senior facilities across the nation, it is anticipated that there won’t be sufficient availability for the number of Baby Boomers as they age.

While Aging in Place is the situation most seniors prefer, it will also become the necessary choice for seniors and society as a whole.

For the past six years, 10,000 people have been reaching retirement age daily. As a result, nearly 22 million people have entered the retirement phase of their lives. However, these numbers significant-ly outpace the senior housing industry, which is expected to build only 96,000 residences per year. 

In addition, the population of adults 85 and older will rise simultaneously and increase from approximately 14% in 2010 to 21% by 2050. In addition, this age group will most likely require some additional form of support and care.

In a 2004 study supported by the National Alliance for Caregiving and the AARP, 75 was the average age that a person started needing care at home, most commonly motivated by frailty due to aging. Additional reasons requiring home care included diagnoses of diabetes, cancer and heart disease.

Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia also require home care support for aging adults. As of 2016, nearly 5.4 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. One in nine people over the age of 65 has the disease. As Baby Boomers continue to age, this number is anticipated to triple from over 5 million to almost 14 million.

Staying in the familiar home environment can prevent the onset and progression of symptoms of cognitive decline, provide security and fulfill physical, emotional and social needs. Given that senior housing availability will be outpaced by the maturing population, planning for Aging in Place will allow seniors to remain in the comfort of home and help our communities, which include a stronger representation of seniors each day, continue to thrive.

Our mission at Home Care Assistance of Prescott is to change the way the world ages. We provide older adults with quality care in Prescott, that enables them to live happier, healthier lives at home. Our services are distinguished by the caliber of our caregivers, the responsiveness of our staff and our expertise in live-in care. We embrace a positive, balanced approach to aging centered on the evolving needs of older adults. If you have questions or want more information regarding care options for you or a loved one in Prescott, AZ, or the surrounding area, please call us at 928-771-0105 or schedule a complimentary in-home consultation with a dedicated Care Manager.

Visit us online today @ www.homecareassistanceprescott.com 

How To Keep Seniors Cool in a Heat Wave

Heat waves are uncomfortable for most people, but they can be deadly for seniors. Soaring temperatures can cause serious medical consequences for the elderly, and finding ways to keep your loved one cool during a heat wave can be essential to his or her overall health and wellbeing. The senior care experts at Home Care Assistance of Prescott have a few simple tips for keeping your senior loved one cool on the hottest days.

Stay in Contact

When the temperatures start to rise to the top of the thermometer, make an extra effort to check on any seniors who are living alone. Make sure they have adequate air conditioning, cold water, and ventilation in their homes. Some seniors are often unaware when temperatures have reached dangerous levels, so it is important to check on your loved one often to make sure he or she is staying cool.

Take Your Loved One Out

If your loved one lives in a home without air conditioning, it may be necessary to get him or her out of the situation until the weather returns to normal levels. This may mean staying in a hotel or simply going to a cooling station during the day. Many cities open gyms and recreation centers for people who are seeking to beat the heat. A day at the movie theater or indoor mall may be just what your loved one needs to keep cool.

Keep Him or Her Hydrated

Seniors often get dehydrated quickly, so it is important they get the right amount of fluids to stay healthy. In addition to drinking water, it is vital they drink an adequate amount of electrolytes, which are lost when your loved one sweats. Electrolytes can be found in many sports drinks.

Staying cool during a heat wave is important for all seniors, but if your loved one faces any health challenges,it may be difficult to do what it takes to avoid the heat. A professional caregiver from Home Care Assistance can offer that extra helping hand. At Home Care Assistance, we offer live-in and part-time hourly care in Prescott, and our caregivers can provide transportation or even go grocery shopping whenever your loved one starts running low on fluids. For more information, call a Care Manager today at 928-771-0105 to schedule a complimentary in-home consultation.

Visit us online @ www.homecareassistanceprescott.com 

5 Ways Older Adults Can Protect Themselves Against Crime

Even though violent crimes against seniors are decreasing, property crimes against people over the age of 65 still take place at an alarming rate. Older adults are often the targets of scams that end up costing them thousands of dollars. However, these five steps can drastically reduce a senior’s risk of being targeted by criminals.

1. Invest in a Paper Shredder

It can be easy for a criminal to steal an individual’s identity by sifting through his or her trash. By stealing a few bills, the criminal can apply for new loans and credit cards in a senior’s name. Paper shredders aren’t completely foolproof, but they deter most criminal activities. Anything that has a senior’s name, address, phone number, social security number, or banking information should be shredded before it is thrown away.

Many older adults are choosing to age in place, and some need a helping hand to continue living at home safely and comfortably. Luckily, there is professional in-home senior care Prescott seniors can trust and rely on.

2. Take a Look at New Scams Once or Twice a Year

New scams make headlines almost every month. The vast majority of scams may not affect every senior, but it is a good idea to keep an eye out for potential risks. Whether the scam involves fraudulent IRS bills or fake companies asking for donations, seniors need to be aware of the most common crimes targeting seniors.

3. Avoid Unusual Files and Downloads

Even if seniors don’t use their computers or smartphones often, they might have some personal data stored on these devices. The easiest way for criminals to steal digital information is to trick seniors into downloading unusual files or documents. As a general rule, seniors should never download anything unless they know the source of the file. They also need to update their computers and software as often as possible to keep the system secure. As a caregiver, educate your loved one about the dangers of downloading suspicious files and keep a watchful eye on the files he or she downloads.

Family caregivers sometimes need a break from their caregiving responsibilities. When they need respite care, Prescott families can rely on professional caregivers to help their senior loved ones remain safe at home.

 4. Always Research Companies

With access to the internet, seniors can easily carry out research on companies. In addition to skimming over the past work and the history of a company, seniors should look at reviews as well. Fake reviews do exist, but seniors can typically get a pretty good sense of a company by skimming through recent reviews. Companies that don’t have reviews or references should be avoided.

5. Turn Away Solicitors

The two most common types of solicitors are those who repeatedly call landlines and door-to-door salespeople. While the occasional salesperson may be from a legitimate company, it is a good idea to avoid anyone who is trying to aggressively sell a product or service. Signing up for the Do Not Call registry is one of the best ways to avoid unpleasant phone calls, and putting up a “No Soliciting” sign in the front yard is one of the most effective ways to legally keep solicitors away.

Aging in place can present a few unique challenges for older adults. Some only require part-time assistance with exercise or meal preparation, while others are living with serious illnesses and benefit more significantly from receiving live-in care. Prescott, Arizona, Home Care Assistance are leaders in the elderly in-home care industry for good reason. We tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual needs, our caregivers continue to receive updated training in senior care as new developments arise, and we also offer comprehensive care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s. To learn about our high-quality elderly care plans, give us a call at 928-771-0105 today.

Visit us online today@ www.homecareassistanceprescott.com